I need info on tent durability, sleeping bag +/- degrees I will need.Food prep, calories to injest per day AND ALL THINGS TO SURVIVE THE A.T/ thru hike.I was going to start in the spring in Maine and go south, is that a good plan or not? Thanks to anyone who can help me with info and suggestions.O r can reach me at trkdrvr5210@yahoo.com

I've read that unless you're an experienced hiker it's not a good idea to hike the AT southbound, because the shelters are fewer and farther apart, and you won't see a lot of people in the beginning because the majority of people go northbound...